The hypothalamus releases corticotrophic-releasing hormone which stimulates the pituitary gland to release the hormone ACTH (adreno-corticotrophic hormone) into the bloodstream

It reaches the cortex (the outer part) of the adrenal gland causing it to release cortisol into the bloodstream which stimulates the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream to provide energy

If the stressor is only short term and goes away, the parasympathetic branch of the ANS is activated. This reduces arousal, reversing the changes brought about by the sympathetic system and stress hormones and the body returns to normal

However, if the stressor persists and arousal remains high for some time, eventually we may become ill e.g. prolonged high levels of cortisol may weaken the immune system and prolonged high levels of adrenaline increase levels of cholesterol

Stress management

Biological Methods

Drug therapy

The most frequently prescribed anxiolytic drugs are the benzodiazepines e.g. Librium, valium

These work by enhancing the activity of gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter substance in the brain. GABA has the effect of blocking nerve impulses, so drugs that increase it's action reduce arousal and increase relaxation

The drugs also reduce the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter substance that leads to anxiety if there is too much of it

Beta blockers are sometimes used when prolonged stress has led to hypertension (prolonged high blood pressure). They act of nerves that serve the heart so that the rate and power of the heartbeat is reduced and so is blood pressure

Strengths

They can be very useful in reducing symptoms of stress and so making the person feel better, enabling them to deal more effectively with the stressors

They are quick and easy to use

Weaknesses

They may have side effects. Those of benzodiazepines include; drowsiness, impaired concentration and memory and depression

If some drugs are taken for a long period of time, people can become physically and/or psychologically dependent and have difficulty in coming off them

When medication stops, anxiety may return

The drugs do not address any underlying problems that there may be e.g. with work or relationships

Psychological Methods

Stress-Inoculation Therapy (SIT) - Meichenbaum

Stress-inoculation therapy has three stages;

1. Conceptualisation

The client and therapist begin to develop a relationship. The client is encouraged to re-live stressful situations and ask themselves 'What was stressful about it', 'How did I try to cope', 'Why wasn't it successful'

This allows the client to develop a more realistic understanding of what makes them stressed

2. Skills Training and Practice

The client is taught skills and strategies for coping with their stressful situations e.g. time management, relaxation training, study skills, social skills training.

These skills are practiced in the therapeutic setting e.g.role-playing with therapist

3. Application and Follow Through

In the final phase, the skills learned in phase 2 are carried out in real-life settings, starting with low stress situations and gradually increasing to higher stress situations

The client keeps in contact with the therapist and follow up sessions and more training are provided if necessary, to spot warning signs of relapse and deal with them

Strenghts

Targeting symptoms. Meichenbaum's approach looks at both sources of stress and coping strategies. By reviewing the coping methods they have used in the past, clients can gain a clearer understanding of their strengths and weaknesses

By acquiring new skills and techniques, they can improve their coping strategies and clients gain more confidence in their ability to handle previously stressful situations